In a sudden and alarming event today, a 3.0 magnitude earthquake struck Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey, sending tremors across New York City and parts of Westchester, Staten Island, and Long Island. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) confirmed the quake, which hit around 2:17 PM ET, jolting thousands in the metro area who rushed to social media to ask, “Did we just have an earthquake in NJ?”
“The Whole House Shook”: Panic in Hasbrouck Heights and NYC
Residents in Hasbrouck Heights, the epicenter of today’s quake, described the moment as “brief but intense,” with many saying their furniture rattled and floors trembled for about 10–15 seconds.
In Manhattan, Brooklyn, Jersey City, and even Staten Island, people evacuated office buildings and apartments, fearing a more serious seismic event.
“I thought a truck hit my building,” said Maria Santos, a Jersey City resident. “Then I saw my lamp shaking.”
The earthquake in NJ today is the second tremor felt in the area this year, reigniting public concern about preparedness in a region not known for frequent seismic activity.
Was There Just an Earthquake in NJ and NYC? Yes — And It Was a Real One
According to USGS, the earthquake registered a 3.0 magnitude on the Richter scale, a level considered “minor” but still noticeable indoors, especially in multi-story buildings.
The tremor originated near Hasbrouck Heights, NJ, located in Bergen County, approximately 10 miles west of Midtown Manhattan. The quake occurred at a shallow depth of around 5 kilometers, making its impact more widely felt.
Areas That Reported Feeling the Quake:
- Hasbrouck Heights, NJ
- Jersey City, NJ
- Newark, NJ
- Staten Island, NY
- Brooklyn, NY
- Manhattan, NY
- Bronx, NY
- Westchester County
- Rockland County
- Long Island, NY
The earthquake in NYC today just now took many by surprise. Within minutes, Google searches for “earthquake near me” and “was there an earthquake today in NJ” spiked dramatically.
How Common Are Earthquakes in the Tri-State Area?
While New Jersey and New York are not traditionally known for earthquakes, the region does experience occasional minor seismic activity.
- A 4.8 magnitude earthquake earlier in April 2024 in Hunterdon County, NJ, made headlines when it was felt as far as Connecticut and Philadelphia.
- Today’s quake, though smaller, was more widely felt due to its proximity to dense urban centers and shallow depth.
According to Wikipedia’s List of New Jersey Earthquakes, most quakes in the area remain below magnitude 4.0, making today’s jolt significant by local standards.
Is There a Risk of Aftershocks or a Bigger Quake?
As of now, the USGS has not issued any aftershock warnings, but experts advise residents to stay alert.
While 3.0 quakes rarely lead to stronger ones, minor aftershocks are possible over the next few hours.
If you experience additional shaking:
- Move away from windows
- Drop, cover, and hold on
- Check for gas leaks or water damage
- Avoid using elevators
Emergency services across NJ and NYC have not reported major injuries or infrastructure damage. But city officials have urged residents to remain cautious.
Residents Flood Social Media: “Did NYC Just Have an Earthquake?”
The quake quickly trended on Twitter/X, Reddit, and Facebook, with residents across Brooklyn, Harlem, Queens, and even Connecticut posting videos of shaking chandeliers and wobbly camera footage.
Trending hashtags included:
Some confused the quake for a construction accident or subway explosion, especially in downtown Manhattan.
“We thought it was a bomb or train derailment,” tweeted @nycgal2025. “Then everyone started saying ‘earthquake!’ and we rushed outside.”
Key Stats & Takeaways
- Time of earthquake: 2:17 PM ET, today
- Magnitude: 3.0
- Epicenter: Hasbrouck Heights, NJ
- Depth: 5 km (shallow)
- Felt in: NJ, NYC, Staten Island, Long Island, Westchester, Rockland
- Injuries/Damage: None reported as of now
- Cause: Natural tectonic activity (not fracking or explosion)
- Aftershocks: None yet, but still possible
What Should You Do if Another Earthquake Hits?
Though rare, earthquakes in New Jersey and NYC can and do happen. Preparedness is key. Here’s what experts recommend:
- Have a Go Bag: Include flashlight, batteries, first aid kit, water, and medication.
- Know Your Safe Spots: Under sturdy tables or against interior walls.
- Avoid Windows: Flying glass is a major hazard during quakes.
- Stay Informed: Follow USGS, NOAA, and local emergency alerts.
- Don’t Use Elevators: Power loss can trap you inside.
What Experts Are Saying
Dr. Samantha Greene, a seismologist at Columbia University’s Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, explained:
“Today’s quake is a reminder that while we’re not in California, the Eastern Seaboard is not immune to tectonic activity. Given the dense population, even minor tremors can feel intense and trigger widespread concern.”
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Final Thoughts
Today’s earthquake in NJ wasn’t catastrophic, but it was a wake-up call. With over 20 million residents living in the affected radius, the jolt underscored the importance of readiness, even in low-risk seismic zones.
Stay tuned to USGS and local news for real-time updates, and don’t ignore the shake—next time, it might be stronger.
👤 Author:
Priya Mehta is a freelance journalist covering East Coast breaking news and environmental phenomena. She has written for outlets including NY1, Gothamist, and NJ.com, and holds a Master’s in Journalism from NYU. When not reporting, she leads emergency preparedness workshops in Newark and Hoboken.
